Hidradenitis Suppurativa

About the Study

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease that affects 1% to 4% of the general population. HS usually begins as pimple-like bumps on the skin. The pimple-like bumps tend to develop in places that everyday pimples do not appear. HS is most common in the underarms and groin.

Some people say that their HS looks like one of these skin conditions:

Pimples

Deep-acne like cysts and blackheads

Folliculitis (looks like swollen pimple with a hair in the center)

Boils

The skin lesions develop as a result of inflammation and infection of sweat glands and first present as pea- to marble-sized lumps under the skin that can be painful and tend to enlarge and drain pus. They usually occur where skin rubs together, such as in the armpits, groin, and buttocks.

If HS worsens, the pimple-like bumps can grow deep into the skin and become painful. They can rupture, leaking bloodstained pus onto clothing. This fluid often has a foul odor. As the deep bumps heal, scars can form. Some people develop tunnel-like tracts under their skin. As the skin continues to heal and scar, the scars thicken. When thick scars form in the underarm, moving the arm can be difficult. Thick scars in the groin area can make walking difficult.

People with HS experience considerable impact on activities of daily living, work/school attendance and productivity, physical activities, and emotional state.

Right now, dermatologists at Oregon Medical Research Center are accepting adult participants for a new clinical research study. The study is for an investigational medication for moderate-to-severe HS.

Main Enrollment Qualifications

Clinical studies have many rules and restrictions. Here are the main enrollment criteria for this study:

Age 18 or older

Have moderate-to-severe HS

Have at least three lesions

Have lesions in at least two different areas of the body (i.e. underarm and groin)

Have had HS for at least a year

Have had an inadequate response to oral antibiotics

Other criteria will be reviewed if the main enrollment criteria are met

Why Participate?

By joining the study you will receive:

Evaluations of your HS by our dermatologists

Study-related care and medication at no cost (you do not need insurance to participate, but you will need to attend up to 15 scheduled visits to our office during an approximately one-year period)

Compensation for time and travel to attend study visits

Frequent Questions

What is the purpose of a clinical study?

Clinical studies (also called clinical trials) are used to learn about the safety and the effectiveness of possible new medications. Although there are many types of clinical trials, all must conform to strict rules set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These rules help protect the rights and the safety of those who volunteer to take part in clinical trials.

Will I have to pay for anything if I participate?

If you qualify and choose to participate, you will receive study-related care (such as study medications and visits to our office) at no cost to you. You will also be compensated for your time and travel to attend study visits.

How long does the study last?

If you join the study, your participation will last up to approximately one year and require up to 15 scheduled visits to our office near Washington Square, at the Greenburg Road exit, just off Highway 217. These visits are an important part of the study, as they allow your study doctor to closely monitor your progress.

Does this study have a placebo?

Most clinical studies have a control group who do not receive medication during the study, or for a period of time during the study. This study has an inactive placebo (1 in 3 may receive the placebo), but at week 16, participants on placebo will be transitioned to the study medication.

What if I join the study and decide I do not want to participate anymore?

As will all clinical studies, your participation is completely voluntary and you may choose to leave the study at any time.

I’m interested in hearing more. What is the next step?

To learn more about the study, give us a call at 503-245-1525, Monday through Thursday, during normal business hours, or Sign Up Today and we will give you a call to provide additional information.